A team of young robotics innovators from the Sunshine Coast is heading to the United States after an impressive performance at the national stage.
Students from Sunshine Coast Grammar School have secured a place at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships in Houston, Texas, after their team the Iron Lions impressed judges at the Australian national championships in Sydney.
The Iron Lions team, made up of three current students and two recent 2025 graduates, will join four other Australian teams to compete at the international event in April, which attracts around 15,000 competitors, mentors and spectators from around the world.
Head of Digital Innovation Justin Pembroke said the achievement highlighted the growing strength of the school’s science and technology programs.
“Our robotics program has grown stronger every year and these recent results reflect how capable our students have become,” Mr Pembroke said.
“Their commitment to learning, experimenting and pushing their designs further has been outstanding.
“It’s a proud moment for our school and the robotics program and we are looking forward to helping the Iron Lions prepare for the world stage.”
The success didn’t stop there, with two other Grammar robotics teams also recognised for their performances at the national championships and receiving invitations to compete at the European Championships.
School principal Anna Owen said the achievement reflected the school’s strong focus on innovation and future-focused learning.
“We educate young people to be designers and creators of technology, not just passive users of technology,” Mrs Owen said.
She said the school was proud to support the teams as they prepare to represent the Sunshine Coast and Australia on the international robotics stage.
